After Russia cut gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria, The Guardian warns that Europe could be on the verge of a major energy crisis that would increase household bills. The Financial Times says the price of wholesale gas “soared” after Moscow “turned off the taps”.
According to Chancellor Rishi Sunak in an interview with The Telegraph, he would consider a windfall tax on energy company profits if they fail to make “investments in our country and in our energy security”. Treasury sources told the paper that the Mumsnet comments were a “warning shot” to firms to start investing significant sums soon. As Boris Johnson has called the proposal a “tax on business”, the paper points to a split within government.
According to the Mail, Durham Constabulary is reviewing the decision to clear Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of an alleged breach of lockdown rules after a Conservative MP requested it.
Richard Holden’s letter was replied to “as a courtesy” by the force. In April last year, Sir Keir was photographed holding a bottle of beer after a day of campaigning in the constituency office of MP Mary Foy.